Grace Empowerment Alpha Course

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Grace Empowerment Alpha Course is a chance to explore life and the Christian faith in a friendly, open and informal online environment. Come and see.

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10/22/2026

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Quiet Time with the Lord
178: Wisdom from God

Apostle Paul said: “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God... But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong... It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness, and redemption.” (1 Corinthians 1:18–30, NIV)

I have been a follower of Jesus for more than 15 years. I understand Paul’s cry: “I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.” (Romans 7:18–19)

Thank You, God, that You sent Your only begotten Son to shed His blood to cleanse our sins. This allows me to stand before God without shame. It is because God has covered us with the “righteousness and holiness” of Jesus Christ. This gives me confidence and self-esteem. Now, I have the Holy Spirit dwelling in me, giving me wisdom from God so that I can walk in the path of Jesus Christ and have no excuse.

Dear God, please give me an obedient heart to listen to the Holy Spirit and allow Him to guide my walk with You. Please give me all the good things from above: love, patience, kindness, gentleness, and self-control. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

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Download the FREE, ad-free SpiritFormed Verse & Prayer from the Google Play Store today and begin documenting your journey of spiritual transformation—one verse, one prayer, and one faithful step at a time. (English, 中文简体, 中文繁體, Español, ไทย)

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.graceempowermentint.spiritformed

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10/14/2026

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Quiet Time with the Lord
177: God’s Empowerment

The Apostle Paul exhorted the Corinthian church:
“I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. For in him you have been enriched in every way—with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge—God thus confirming our testimony about Christ among you… God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.”
(1 Corinthians 1:4–9, NIV)

My family has been part of the CrossPoint Community Ministry at the Chinese Bible Church of Greater Lowell (CBCGL) for more than 15 years. We especially love the Friday Bible study fellowship groups. Through Bible study, we learn from one another how to apply the Scriptures to our lives and follow the teaching of Jesus Christ. The discussions have enriched my life and expanded my knowledge beyond my career as a software engineer. They have given me a well-rounded perspective on how to serve my family, my local community, and international missionaries.

Lately, one of my church sisters has been encouraging me to draw watercolor cards to donate to churches for greeting and caring for our guests, brothers, and sisters. This suggestion has brought great excitement to me and my family. My husband and daughters immediately united in encouraging me to pursue a second career in watercolor painting after retirement. They want me to relax and have fun every day instead of continuing my career as a software engineer.

Now, I spend one to two hours every day drawing watercolor cards. I am surprised by how much enjoyment I get from it because there are so many things to learn and practice in watercolor painting. The best part is that it allows me to serve God by donating watercolor cards that bring joy, peace, and spiritual encouragement to our brothers and sisters. It gives greater meaning to my retirement while also allowing me to have fun.

Dear God, thank You for enriching my life through my participation in the Friday Bible study fellowship discussions. Thank You for sending my church sister to encourage me to draw watercolor cards so that I can be Your hands in caring for the local community and church. Please continue to let the Holy Spirit dwell in me and give me vision to serve You faithfully.
I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

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Download the FREE, ad-free **SpiritFormed Verse & Prayer** from the Google Play Store today and begin documenting your journey of spiritual transformation—one verse, one prayer, and one faithful step at a time. (English, 中文简体, 中文繁體, Español, ไทย)

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.graceempowermentint.spiritformed

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10/06/2026

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Quiet Time with the Lord
176: Jesus Seeks and Saves the Lost

In Luke 19, there was a chief tax collector named Zacchaeus. He was a short man who was despised by his Jewish neighbors because he collected extra tax money from his own people for his personal gain. He was considered a mean person who never donated any money to the poor. He knew his shortcomings. Even though he was wealthy, no one respected him, and they called him a sinner.

One day, Jesus was passing through Jericho. There was a large crowd wanting to see Jesus, the prophet and Rabbi, because He had cast out demons and healed the sick. His teaching had authority and was different from that of the scribes. However, Zacchaeus was short, and no one allowed him to stand at the front to see Jesus. So, he climbed up a sycamore-fig tree to see Him.

Jesus stopped by the tree and told Zacchaeus that He had to stay at his house. Everyone was surprised because Jesus wanted to be the guest of a sinner. Then Zacchaeus replied, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.” (Luke 19:8, NIV)

Jesus announced that salvation had come to Zacchaeus and accepted him as a son of Abraham: “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.” (Luke 19:9, NIV)

Thank You, Jesus, for coming to earth to save us. Without You, no one could be saved. We would have lost our opportunity for repentance and our hope of having eternal life with You. This is the good news for all of us.

Jesus said, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16, NIV)

Dear God, thank You for giving us a complete plan of redemption through the blood of Your beloved Son, Jesus Christ, to cleanse us from our sins so that we can become pure and come to You. Thank You for sending the Holy Spirit to dwell in us so that we can repent of our sins like Zacchaeus and accept Jesus as our Savior. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

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Download the FREE, ad-free **SpiritFormed Verse & Prayer** from the Google Play Store today and begin documenting your journey of spiritual transformation—one verse, one prayer, and one faithful step at a time. (English, 中文简体, 中文繁體, Español, ไทย)

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.graceempowermentint.spiritformed

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09/27/2026

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Quiet Time with the Lord
175: God Saves People

In Luke 18, a certain ruler came to Jesus and asked Him how to inherit eternal life. Jesus told him to keep the commandments: do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not give false testimony, and honor your father and mother. Jesus also told him to sell everything he had, give the money to the poor, and follow Him. The ruler went away sad because he was very wealthy.
Indeed, it is very difficult to give up wealth and follow Jesus wholeheartedly. Who could do that? Who could be saved?

Jesus replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.” (Luke 18:27, NIV)

Thank You, God, for understanding our weakness. You sent Your Son to die on the cross for our sins so that we can come to You without shame. Then You sent the Holy Spirit to dwell within us, guide us each day, and help us follow Jesus so that we may grow to be more like Christ. Jesus did not leave us as orphans on earth. Instead, He intercedes for us and has gone to heaven to prepare a place for us. He continually leads us to repentance, and when we confess our sins, He forgives us. Thank You for Your perfect plan of salvation!

The apostle Paul said, “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9, NIV)

Dear God, please give me the faith to believe that Jesus Christ is my Savior and that His blood has cleansed me from my sins. Thank You for leading me to repentance and allowing me to call You my Heavenly Father. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

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Download the FREE, ad-free **SpiritFormed Verse & Prayer** from the Google Play Store today and begin documenting your journey of spiritual transformation—one verse, one prayer, and one faithful step at a time. (English, 中文简体, 中文繁體, Español, ไทย)
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.graceempowermentint.spiritformed

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09/18/2026

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Quiet Time with the Lord
174: Meeting the Need

In Luke 11, a Pharisee invited Jesus to eat with him and was surprised that Jesus did not wash before the meal. Jesus said, “Now then, you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness. You foolish people! ... But give what is inside the dish to the poor, and everything will be clean for you.” (Luke 11:39–41, NIV)

Jesus pointed out our mistake: we often focus on outward behavior, trying to appear righteous before others, but neglect to love others and be generous to the poor. God looks at our hearts rather than our outward appearance. Therefore, we need to be alert and examine not only our actions but also our motives.

In today's world, there are so many scams that it is difficult to know whom to trust. What is the right way to serve the poor? Sometimes giving money directly may not be the wisest or most appropriate way to help. How I wish I could understand the hearts of those in need and serve them faithfully without judgment.

Prayer
Dear God, I want to be clean both inside and out. Please cleanse my heart as well as my outward actions so that I may bring people to You. We are not omniscient like Jesus, and we cannot truly know what is in another person's heart. We do not always have the wisdom to discern the best way to serve those in need. Please grant me wisdom and discernment to know how to be generous to the poor and how to love and serve them in a way that honors You.

I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

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Download **SpiritFormed Verse & Prayer** today and begin documenting your journey of spiritual transformation—one verse, one prayer, and one faithful step at a time. (English, 中文简体, 中文繁體, Español, ไทย)

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.graceempowermentint.spiritformed

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09/11/2026

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Quiet Time with the Lord
173: Serving Others with Love

In Luke 10, an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus by asking, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus asked him what was written in the Law and how he understood it. The expert replied:

“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” (Luke 10:27, NIV)

I often recognize my lack of love toward my family and my neighbors. I ask God to change my heart. Like the Apostle Paul, I cry out:

“What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death?” (Romans 7:24)

Thank You, Jesus, for saving me from sin so that I can have new life in Him.

Dear God: I recognize my lack of compassion and love for others. Please help me serve You by encouraging, caring for, and ministering to those around me. I have so much room to grow. Please transform my heart to love others as You love them. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Download **SpiritFormed Verse & Prayer** today and begin documenting your journey of spiritual transformation—one verse, one prayer, and one faithful step at a time. (English, 中文简体, 中文繁體, Español, ไทย)
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.graceempowermentint.spiritformed

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09/05/2026

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Quiet Time with the Lord
172: Meeting the Need

In Luke 5, Jesus healed a man covered with leprosy. He ordered him, “Don’t tell anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them” (Luke 5:14, NIV).

Jesus had compassion on the man by cleansing him of his leprosy and instructing him to be examined by the priest so that he could return to a normal life without being isolated from other people.

While I was visiting Cusco, Peru, our tour guide told me that his mother tongue is Spanish and that he learned English so that he could become a tour guide. He is now teaching himself Italian and French. I asked him whether he was interested in learning Chinese. I also took this opportunity to introduce my free Android app, SpiritFormed: Daily Verse of the Bible, which sends users a daily scripture related to the Fruit of the Spirit to help them learn about love, joy, peace, and self-control. The app supports five languages: English, Spanish, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, and Thai.

After returning to the United States, I noticed that two people in Peru had downloaded the SpiritFormed app. I was very excited, and I prayed that the Holy Spirit would guide them to build godly character through daily study of Scripture.

Prayer
Dear God, thank You for giving me the opportunity to introduce the SpiritFormed app to the Peruvian tour guide. I pray that the Holy Spirit will guide him, meet his needs, and help him come to know You more each day. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

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Download the FREE, ad-free **SpiritFormed Verse & Prayer** from the Google Play Store today and begin documenting your journey of spiritual transformation—one verse, one prayer, and one faithful step at a time. (English, 中文简体, 中文繁體, Español, ไทย)

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.graceempowermentint.spiritformed

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08/28/2026

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Quiet Time with the Lord
171: Pray for Great Boldness

Apostles Peter and John healed the lame beggar sitting at the temple gate called Beautiful. The rulers, elders, and teachers of the law arrested Peter and John and put them in jail for one night. Then they threatened them and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. Peter and John refused and returned to their own people to pray together:

“Sovereign Lord,” they said, “you made the heavens and the earth and the sea, and everything in them. ... Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”
(Acts 4:24–30, NIV)

If I were one of the apostles, I would have been scared to death. Thank You, God, for giving boldness and faithfulness to the apostles and disciples so they could follow the Great Commission of Jesus:

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
(Matthew 28:18–20, NIV)

Because of the diligent work of the apostles and disciples, I have become a follower of Jesus Christ. This is a miracle.

Dear God: Please give great boldness to our church elders, Sunday school teachers, Friday fellowship leaders, brothers, and sisters to spread Your gospel and do great things for You in our local community and among our neighbors. May they receive the rich blessings and eternal life found in You. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

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Download the FREE, ad-free **SpiritFormed Verse & Prayer** from the Google Play Store today and begin documenting your journey of spiritual transformation—one verse, one prayer, and one faithful step at a time. (English, 中文简体, 中文繁體, Español, ไทย)

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.graceempowermentint.spiritformed

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08/21/2026

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Quiet Time with the Lord
170: Repent and Live

After Peter and John healed the lame beggar who had been sitting at the Temple Gate called Beautiful every day since he was young, the people were amazed to see ordinary men perform such a miracle before their eyes. Peter pointed out their sin in crucifying Jesus, the servant of God. He testified that it was by the mighty name of Jesus Christ that the lame man was healed—enabling him to walk, jump, and praise the Lord in the place called Solomon’s Colonnade.

It must have been a very frightening moment to realize that they were guilty of putting an innocent man, Jesus Christ, to death. Peter reminded them of the prophecies concerning the Messiah. Though they had acted in ignorance before, they now needed to deal with the guilt of their sin. How?

Peter exhorted: “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, ... For Moses said, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you must listen to everything he tells you. Anyone who does not listen to him will be completely cut off from their people.’” (Acts 3:19–22, NIV)

Praise the Lord. God provides a way for people to change their lives—from sinners to becoming sons and daughters of God. What wonderful grace and mercy!

Come, do not wait. Jesus preached: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” (Matthew 4:17) Jesus said: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6) Come—what are you waiting for? There is no greater good news than the coming of Jesus Christ.

Dear God, thank You for sending Jesus Christ and for His blood that cleanses our sinful thoughts. Without His cleansing, I would not be able to come to You and call You my Heavenly Father. Now I can rest and follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ, drawing closer to You step by step. Praise the Lord. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

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Download the FREE, ad-free **SpiritFormed Verse & Prayer** from the Google Play Store today and begin documenting your journey of spiritual transformation—one verse, one prayer, and one faithful step at a time. (English, 中文简体, 中文繁體, Español, ไทย)

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.graceempowermentint.spiritformed

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